Boar's Tusk Currency
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments
Datemid 19th to early 20th Century
Made AtPapua New Guinea
Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia
MediumBoar tusk
Dimensions4 1/4 × 4 × 1/2 in. (10.8 × 10.2 × 1.3 cm)
Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection
Object number2015.17.25
DescriptionA boar’s lower tusks are items of value in Papua New Guinea. Procuring such tusks is a tedious process. In order to do so, the upper tusks msut be removed so that the lower tusks can grow in a circular shape. This can take 6 to 12 years. When the boars approach the end of their lives, it becomes necessary to hand feed them and fence them in so that they do not break their tusks. This example is a typical circular tusk, particularly because such tusks are classified as having at least a ¾ circular shape. In general, tusks are used as exchange items, status symbols and adornments throughout Papua New Guinea. As adornments, the tusks can be pendants on necklaces, nose ornaments, armlets, etc.On View
Not on view
mid 19th - early 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
mid 19th - early 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
20th Century
19th Century
